Outdoor Living

Your New Room with a View

Statistics show that adding a front porch can dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal and increase its value to buyers. In fact, according to NAHB, 80% of homeowners view front porches as essential or desirable when purchasing a home. You can create a new outdoor living space and add new life to your home exterior. With a wide range of styles and materials available at Georgia Front Porch, your choice of designs to complement your home is nearly infinite.

Aside from the architectural appeal of a front porch addition, there is one other aspect that is just as important. Call it lifestyle, livability, useable space, outdoor room, or another term. We simply call it ‘a room with a view.’ The front porch is like a handshake, welcoming visitors, serving as a connection point with the neighborhood, and provides an impression for passers-by and neighbors. It’s the calling card of your home.

Memories are Made on Front Porches

Many important moments happen on your front porch such as first kiss, watching the buzz of life go by while sipping lemonade, welcoming visitors or your hero back home, watching sunrises or sunsets, and star gazing in the evening. But don’t forget the holidays! Everyone loves the trick-or-treaters on Halloween, welcoming family at Thanksgiving, and carolers at Christmas. Heck, even Andy Griffith entertained his friends and family out on his front porch in Mayberry!

Adding a Front Porch Means More Room to Move

Let’s start with space, which needs to be ample enough for gathering. Seating is an important consideration. There should be enough room to comfortably walk around the furnishings and each other. A good guideline for a porch is to have an expected minimum depth of 6 feet. Another way to think about this is imagining space that doubles the swing of a 36” entry door.

A depth of six feet will accommodate a bench or swing comfortably. Of course, adding furniture means adding space. A porch with furniture can aim for a minimum depth of 8 to 10 feet. To accommodate a small table and two chairs, count on a length of 85 to 96 inches. One rule of thumb is to plan an area twice the length and depth of each piece of porch furniture, to prevent stumbling.

Design Ideas for Adding a Front Porch

Your porch’s style is a preview of what’s inside. Don’t dramatically switch furniture styles between outside and in. If you have traditional inside your home, it’s probably not a good idea to go with a modern or tropical style on your front porch. Cushions and outdoor rugs should complement your home’s exterior. Less is more, so be careful not to clutter it up with too much stuff. Your new porch should have a feeling of ease and comfort about it.

If you’re buying new furniture, we suggest a loveseat or couch that can hold at least 2 people, an ottoman that can double as seating, a coffee table and at least one more chair. The largest piece of furniture should face outwards with smaller pieces grouped like a living room set. If you’re using existing furniture, we suggest you clean and/or paint it, add colorful cushions and don’t forget accessories such as bright pillows, a new outdoor rug, or large flower pots filled with seasonal blooms that will look great from the street!

If you’ve got a flat-faced home or are looking to do a porch remodel, call Mr. Curb Appeal himself, Gary Zielinski at 770-781-8234 for a free no-hassle, design consultation. If you have any questions, you can also contact us online or request a quote if you’re ready to get started.